In unincorporated Jefferson County a dog off its owner's property must be leashed (10-foot max) and under control. A "dog at large" is off-premises, uncontrolled, and out of the owner's sight. Dog at large is a petty offense.
The Jefferson County Animal Control Regulation (Resolution CC24-042) defines "Control" as physical control by a leash, cord, or chain no longer than ten feet. A "Dog at Large" is a dog off the owner's premises, not under control, with the owner not observed within sight. Off-leash is only allowed in areas the county has designated by exemption. Encroaching over fences or property lines also counts as at-large. Dog-at-large and dog-off-leash are separate petty offenses with escalating mandatory fines. This county code governs only unincorporated Jeffco; incorporated cities (Lakewood, Arvada, Golden, Wheat Ridge) set their own leash rules.
Dog at large: $100 minimum fine, rising $50 each offense to $300 max. Dog off leash: $50 minimum. At-large/off-leash dog that bites causing bodily injury is a Class II misdemeanor.
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See how Jefferson County's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
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